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ABAC President’s Advisory Council brings industry perspectives to AI discussion

Staff 02 November 2026

ABAC's President’s Advisory Council met Sept. 29 at Forest Lakes Golf Club for its annual meeting and luncheon, which featured a panel discussion on artificial intelligence and its impact on the workforce.

The luncheon included an update on ABAC, followed by a panel discussion titled “AI and the Workforce.” Each leader shared how their organization uses AI and discussed best practices they have implemented.

“Bringing together leaders from across our region to share their experiences and best practices is incredibly valuable, especially when we are discussing a topic as important and rapidly changing as artificial intelligence,” said ABAC President Dr. Tracy Brundage. “These conversations help us better understand what our students and communities will need as we prepare them for the future of work.”

The panel featured leaders from education, health care, agriculture, business, public safety and technology.

  • Bennie Branch, president, Kelley Manufacturing Co.
  • Chris Daniels, deputy chief information officer and director of instructional technology, ABAC
  • Chris Dorman, president and CEO, Southwell
  • Clay Garnto, president and CEO, Premium Peanut
  • Jennifer Howell, interim superintendent, Tift County Schools
  • Chief Steve Hyman, Tifton Police Department
  • Jon Schwalls, executive officer, Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable
  • Charlie Yawn, sales center manager, Coca-Cola Bottling Company

The President’s Advisory Council brings together community and business leaders who provide insight and guidance on issues affecting ABAC and the communities it serves.

The discussion provided an opportunity for council members to consider the opportunities and challenges presented by rapidly advancing technology, as well as how education and industry can work together to prepare students and employees for an evolving workforce.

Dr. Chris Daniels, deputy chief information officer and director of instructional technology at ABAC, chairs the institution’s Artificial Intelligence Oversight Committee. During the advisory council panel, he explained how the College approaches teaching students to use AI.

“AI will undoubtedly be part of our students’ careers, which makes preparing them to think critically more important, not less,” Daniels said. “As technology evolves, our teaching and institutional practices must evolve with it, helping students and employees understand when AI adds value, how to question and verify its output, and when human knowledge and judgment must lead.”

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